The South Carolina Gamecocks suffered heartbreak against the Missouri Tigers at home last weekend. SEC East title hopes were shattered, and almost every goal Steve Spurrier’s team had set is impossible to reach now. The next obstacle for the Gamecocks is a trip to Kentucky. The team is obviously disappointed from the latest loss, but they need to focus on the task at hand. Here are the 5 keys to a Gamecock victory on Saturday.
1) Bouncing back
The first key to winning is bouncing back from the deflating Missouri loss. South Carolina had extremely high expectations coming off of three straight 11-2 seasons, and the team needs to make sure they don’t slide down a slippery slope this year. It’ll be difficult to rebound, but the Gamecocks have to if they want to avoid an embarrassing loss to Kentucky. The Wildcats gave the Gamecocks a scare in 2012 and won in 2010 after South Carolina had defeated No. 1 Alabama.
The leaders on this team need to step up and guide their teammates through this situation and make them realize that the season can still be a good one . The problem is that some of those leaders may not be in the game due to injury…
2) Injury Update
Senior quarterback Dylan Thompson and wide receiver Pharoh Cooper are both dealing with injury concerns right now. Thompson is handling neck problems due to the constant beating he received against Missouri and Cooper is more worrisome. Perry Orth or Connor Mitch would have to stand in for Thompson, bringing a severe drop-off at the quarterback position. Cooper is one of the most dynamic playmakers on the team, and both will need to be healthy for the Gamecocks.
3) Pressure on the Quarterback
The Gamecocks have an awful pass rush. There is no way to sugar coat things. Losing Jadeveon Clowney, Kelcy Quarles and Chaz Sutton has proven to be devastating for South Carolina. The line produces no pressure, and the young secondary is constantly exposed because of it.
4) Turnovers
South Carolina has thrived in the last few years because of a fantastic turnover margin. The Gamecocks forced 30 turnovers last season and quarterback Conor Shaw only threw one pick. A turnover margin like that usually leads to winning football games. The 2014 season has been far from that. Thompson has thrown three interceptions already, and the defense has barely generated turnovers. Opposing offenses have racked up the yards and points against a passive South Carolina defense.
The Gamecocks have a lot of issues in 2014, but if they forget about the rough start and take care of business they should be able to handle Kentucky on the road and get back to their winning ways.
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